Braces FAQ


When is the best time to begin orthodontics?


What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?


Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?


What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?

Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
► Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
► Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
► Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
► Preserving space for unerupted teeth
► Reducing the need for tooth removal
► Reducing treatment time with braces

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?


Why should malocclusions be treated?

and/or gum disease.
Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping.
Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.
Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile – it creates a healthier self.

Orthodontic Therapy with Extractions

Sometimes braces for kids work better in conjunction with extraction (removal of certain teeth). If the dental malocclusion is significant and most of the patient’s growth has taken place, orthodontic therapy with the extraction of permanent teeth may be recommended.

Orthodontic Therapy with Orthognathic Surgery

In an orthognathic case, Dr. Piper works closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who uses state-of-the-art materials as titanium plates and miniature screws to provide stability, strength and predictability to your treatment. These advances in technology, procedures and equipment reduce post-surgical recovery time, thus allowing patients to return to their normal routines soon after the surgery.

Two Phase Treatment

The two-phase technique is used to address dental and skeletal discrepancies in two treatment periods, each about 12 months in duration. This approach is particularly effective in young children when introduced in the elementary school years. Dr. Piper resumes their treatment in adolescence and personally guides their case to a permanent result.


Whether Dr. Piper provides braces for your kids or braces for adults, retention is the final stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 12 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.

Types of Braces

Movement of teeth may be performed with a number of different “appliances.”  Metal braces, the most commonly used type of bracket (or appliance), are attached to the teeth with a sealant-like adhesive, and provides the most efficient tooth movement.




Lingual braces are attached to the “inside” of the teeth.  Moving teeth with this type of appliance generally takes longer and costs more; therefore, this appliances is not as efficient as metal or ceramic brackets.


Clear aligners
And finally, aligners (appliances such as ClearCorrect) are removable, clear, retainer-like appliances which move teeth in small increments, but are incapable of providing optimum movement in difficult orthodontic cases.  Aligners are used to treat minor orthodontic problems effectively, but cannot be used for complex orthodontic problems.

Parts of Braces











Elastic (Rubber Band)


Elastic Tie


A thin wire that holds your archwire into your bracket.


Palatal Expander
A device that makes your upper jaw wider.




Separator (or Spacer)


Tie Wire


Wax is used to stop your braces from irritating your lips.

Both locations, Cordova and Midtown Memphis, are within easy reach of Downtown, East Memphis, Germantown, Collierville and Eads.

Orthodontic Procedures





Cephalometic X-ray




A meeting with your orthodontist to discuss a treatment plan.


The process of removing cemented orthodontic bands from your teeth.


The process of removing cemented orthodontic brackets from your teeth.






Panoramic X-ray